Grandma’s Secret Beef Bolognese Gravy Recipe: There’s nothing more comforting than the smell of a rich and hearty sauce simmering away on the stove. For me, beef bolognese gravy is the ultimate favorite—packed with flavor and perfect for cozying up with a delicious meal. Whether you’re having a pasta night, pairing it with rice, or adding it to veggies, this beef bolognese gravy will feel like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require a huge pot of leftovers, so it’s perfect for a smaller meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup diced bacon
- 1 cup minced meat
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh celery, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh marjoram, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by chopping the onion, celery, and garlic cloves. Dice the bacon and have your herbs (oregano and marjoram) ready. Having everything prepped will make cooking much quicker and smoother.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a cooking pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté them until they are soft, caramelized, and fragrant—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Brown the Meat and Bacon: Add the minced meat and diced bacon to the pot. Break the meat up with a spatula as it cooks. Let it cook for about 10 minutes until the meat is browned and no longer pink. This step is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor.
- Add Celery and Herbs: Stir in the diced celery, fresh oregano, and marjoram. Let the mixture cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the herbs to release their aroma and infuse the sauce with fresh, herby flavors.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Heavy Cream: Pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream, stirring everything together. Make sure the meat and vegetables are well-coated with the sauce and cream.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 40 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together and become rich and comforting. Stir occasionally and taste the sauce, adding salt and pepper to suit your preference.
This beef bolognese gravy is the ultimate comfort food. It’s simple, rich, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish for any night when you need a cozy meal. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or veggies, it’s sure to be a hit. The creamy texture and herby notes make it a deliciously satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of minced meat?
Yes, you can substitute the minced meat with ground turkey for a leaner version of the sauce.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add heat, you can include some red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper when cooking the onions and garlic.
Can I use low-fat cream in this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream, but it may slightly change the richness of the sauce.
Can I freeze this beef bolognese gravy?
Yes, this sauce freezes well. Just let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What can I serve this beef bolognese gravy with?
This gravy pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it as a topping for mashed potatoes or a baked potato.
